GB2439784A

GB2439784A - Combined lavatory and washbasin unit

Info

Publication number: GB2439784A
Application number: GB0613411A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Albert Tonner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-07-05
Filing date: 2006-07-05
Publication date: 2008-01-09
Also published as: GB0613411D0

Abstract

A combined lavatory and washbasin unit comprises a lavatory (12) having a flush cistern (14) and a washbasin (16) mounted atop the cistern. A flowpath is provided to refill the cistern after flushing and the waste outlet of the washbasin is connected to an inlet of the cistern.

Description

I

Water recycling systemw The present invention relates to a water recycling system. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus of recycling water from at least one wash basin into a lavatory cistern.

: After flushing, a conventional lavatory cistern is re-filled with fresh, clean water from the mains water supply. A wash basin may be provided near to the lavatory. The wash basin typically has its own fresh water inlet and its own drainage system.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a water recycling system comprising: a lavatory having a flush cistern; awash basin; a refill flowpath to refill the cistern after flushing; and a recycling flowpath connecting a waste outlet of the wash basin to an inlet of the flush cistern.

Hence, waste water from the wash basin, which is typically only lightly polluted with hand-soap, can be diverted into the lavatory cistern. This saves water, as the water from the wash basin is not being drained away, but is used to (at least partially) refill the lavatory cistern. Thus, the amount of mains water or other fluid required to refill the cistern is reduced.

Preferably, the cistern comprises a float valve arranged to permit filling from the refill flowpath to a first level, and the cistern is arranged to permit filling from the recycling flowpath to a second level above the first level. In such embodiments, the cistern can be filled beyond the level of the float valve.

Preferably, the cistern includes a flush valve adapted to flush using a predefined volume of water. .5. *5* p...

Preferably, the flush valve comprises a dual flush valve adapted to flush Using either of two (or more) predefined volumes of water. S..

S

Optionally, the refill flowpath is combined with the recycling flowpath upstream of the cistern inlet.

Alternatively, the refill flowpath is separate from the recycling flowpath.

This has the advantage that different fluids can be used for different functions. For example, salt water (or another non-potable fluid) could be used in the refill flowpath to refill the cistern, whilst fresh water could be used in the wash basin and the recycling flowpath. This could greatly conserve the quantity of fresh water used.

Typically, the wash basin has a fluid inlet with a flow regulator. The flow regulator can comprise a conventional tap or faucet.

Optionally, the wash basin is mounted on the cistern. Such embodiments are very compact, as no additional wash basin adjacent to the toilet is required. Furthermore, in public bathrooms, in which privacy cubicals are provided, each user is ensured their own wash basin and privacy to use it.

The wash basin may be mounted directly on the cistern. Optionally, a base of the wash basin may also form the cistern lid. This can provide a simple system, which has a direct, downwards flow between the wash basin and the cistern.

Alternatively, the wash basin may be mounted indirectly on the cistern via a. an intermediate element, e.g. a storage tank. S.. a a..

Alternatively, the wash basin is spaced from the lavatory and the wash basin waste outlet is connected to the cistern inlet by at least one conduit. *5S a

Optionally, a storage tank is located in the recycling flowpath.

Optionally, a pump is located in the recycling flowpath. A pump could be used, for example, if the recycling flowpath has any upwardly-flowing portions.

Optionally, the water recycling system includes a plurality of wash basins, the waste outlets of which are connected to the recycling flowpath.

Connecting a plurality of wash basins can increase the amount of fluid recycled, and therefore reduce the amount of water needed when the cistern is next refilled.

Optionally, the water recycling system includes a plurality of lavatories, the flush cisterns of which are connected to the recycling flowpath.

Optionally, the lavatory comprises a urinal. Hence, the invention can be applied to both urinals and seated lavatories.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of recycling water comprising recycling fluids from a wash basin waste outlet to an inlet of a flush cistern of a lavatory.

Preferably, the method includes using a water recycling system according to the first aspect of the invention. * .

Optionally, the recycled fluids are recycled via a recycling flowpath and the cistern is at least partially refilled with fluids from a refill flowpath that is separate from the recycling flowpath. *

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the following drawings, in which:-Fig I shows an embodiment of a water recycling system according to the invention, with a wash basin mounted on a lavatory cistern; Figs 2A to 2E shows cross-sectional schematic views of the Fig I embodiment in use.

Fig 3 shows a further embodiment, in which a wash basin is located adjacent to a lavatory cistern; Fig 4 shows a further embodiment, in which the lavatory comprises a urinal; and Fig 5 shows a further embodiment, in which outlets of two wash basins are connected to inlets of two lavatory cisterns via a storage tank.

Referring now to Fig 1, a water recycling system 10 comprises a lavatory 12 having a flush cistern 14, and a wash basin 16 mounted on the cistern 14. The flush cistern 14 typically has a reduced flushing capability, as will be described in more detail below. The wash basin 16 has a fluid inlet with a flow regulator in the form of a tap 18.

Referring now to Figs 2A to 2E, a waste outlet of the wash basin 16 is *.., connected to an inlet of the cistern 14 via a recycling flowpath comprising a waste outlet conduit 20.

** The cistern 14 has a refill flowpath comprising a refill conduit 22 which has a float valve mechanism 24. The refill conduit 22 and float valve mechanism 24 may be conventional equipment. The float valve mechanism 24 comprises a float 25 and a valve located in the refill conduit 22. The float 25 is mechanically connected to the valve, such that when the float 25 is in an unsupported, lowered, position, the valve is open and water can flow out of the refill conduit 22 into the cistern 14. When the float 25 is in a supported, floating, position, the valve is dosed, which prevents water from flowing out of the refill conduit 22.

The cistern 14 also has a flush valve 26. The flush valve 26 can comprise any conventional flush valve that allows control of the amount of water flushed, e.g. a dual flush valve having full and reduced flushing capabilities. An example of a suitable flush valve 26 is the Dudley Niagara WC Flush Valve", available from Thomas Dudley Limited, at P0 Box 28, Birmingham New Road, Dudley, West Midlands, DVI 4SN.

As is apparent from Figs 2A to 2E, the cistern 14 has a capacity of greater than 9 litres, whilst the float valve mechanism 24 is arranged so that the float 25 is at the 6 litre level (6L). Therefore, the float valve mechanism 24 will permit filling from the refill conduit 22 to a first level (the 6 litre level) and the cistern 14 will permit filling from the waste outlet conduit 20 to a second level (the 9 litre level) that is above the first level (the 6 litre level).

Fig 2A shows the cistern 14 when empty.

In use, after flushing, the water level in the cistern drops so the float 25 is S..

no longer supported by the level of water in the cistern 14. This opens the S..

valve in the refill conduit 22, allowing water from the refill conduit 22 to 5. refill the cistern 14. Fig 2B shows the cistern and wash basin assembly ** when it has been re-filled to the 6 litre level (6L). The water level is now * high enough to support the float 25 in its floating position, which causes the valve in the refill conduit 22 to close, preventing any further refilling of the cistern 14 from the refill conduit 22.

The user then washes his hands in the wash basin 16. The waste fluids from the wash basin 16 flow through the waste outlet conduit 20 into the cistern 14. Fig 2C shows the cistern and wash basin assembly after 3 litres of waste water from the wash basin 16 has been added to the cistern 141 so the water level is now at the 9 litre level (9L). If the water level in the cistern 14 rises too high (e.g. beyond 9 litres), excess water will be automatically drained into the lavatory bowl via an overflow system of the flush valve 26.

Fig 2D shows the cistern and wash basin assembly after the lavatory has been flushed. The capability of the flush valve 26 to flush a predefined volume of water has been used, such that 6 litres of water have been flushed out of the cistern 14, leaving the water level at the 3 litre level (3L).

The float 25 is no longer supported by the level of water in the cistern 14 and has fallen to its unsupported position, which has caused the valve in the refill conduit 22 to re-open, starting the refilling of the cistern 14.

The cistern 14 is refilled with water from the refill conduit 22 until the water level reaches the 6 litre level (6L), as shown in Fig 2E. At this point, the water level is high enough to support the float 25 in its floating position, which closes the valve in the refill conduit 22 to stop any further refilling. I. * * S..

The above system saves water, because at the refill stage of Fig 2E, only S..

three additional litres are needed from the refill conduit 22 to bring the water level back to the 6 litre level.

S I..

S

* Alternatively, at the stage of Fig 2C, the user can use the dual flush :.: capability to flush only 3 litres of water from the cistern 14. If this is done, on flushing, the water level falls from the 9 litre level of Fig 2C to the 6 litre level of Fig 2B. In this case, as the water level does not fall beyond the 6 litre level, the float 25 remains in its supported, floating position, the valve in the refill conduit 22 remains closed and no extra water enters the cistern 14. If the user then washes his hands, additional water enters the cistern 14 from the wash basin 16 and the water level rises again. Hence, it is not always necessary for any additional water to enter the cistern via the refill conduit 22.

Refemng now to Fig 3, a similar embodiment to the Fig I embodiment is shown, in which corresponding elements have the same reference numbers preceded with 100H. The cistern has been concealed within a cuboid-shaped extension 130 attached to a wall. A wash basin 116 is located on the cuboid-shaped extension 130, and has an outlet connecting to the cistern, as described with reference to Fig 1.

Fig 4 shows a further alternative embodiment, in which the lavatory comprises a urinal 212. Corresponding elements have the same reference numbers preceded with p200". The cistern is not explicitly shown, but is connected to the wash basin 216 and the urinal bowl in the same way as the Fig I embodiment.

Fig 5 shows a further alternative embodiment, which includes two lavatories 310A, 310B and two wash basins 316A, 316B spaced from the S..

lavatories 310A, 310B. Cubical walls C divide the lavatories 310A, 310B *5* from each other and from the wash basins 31 6A, 31 6B, as is conventional S... in public bathrooms.

S S.

Waste outlets of the wash basins 316A, 3166 are connected to a recycling flowpath, which comprises a horizontal conduit 330, a pump 335, a vertical conduit 340, a storage tank 345 located above the lavatories 31 OA, 3106, and either one of two cistern supply conduits 350A, 350B. Respective outlets of the cistern supply conduits 350A, 350B feed into the cisterns 314A, 3146.

Waste fluids flowing along the recycling flowpath to the tank 345 are boosted by the pump 335 such that they can flow up the vertical conduit 340 and into the tank 345. The fluids can leave the tank 345 via either cistern supply conduit 350A or 350B.

Optionally each cistern 314A, 314B has a respective refill conduit 22 and a float valve mechanism 24, as shown in Figs 2A to 2B, or a similar refill system.

In such embodiments, the refill flowpath and the recycling flowpath (from the wash basins to the cisterns) are separate, and do not combine before these flowpaths reach the cistern 314A or 314B. Such embodiments enable different fluids to be used in each flowpath. For example, salt water (or another non-potable fluid) could be used in the refill flowpath, as this fluid will simply be flushed down the lavatory bowl, whereas fresh water could be used in the wash basins and recycling flowpath.

Alternatively, a refill flowpath comprising a refill conduit could be combined 0 with the recycling flowpath upstream of the inlets of the cisterns 31 4A, 3148. For example, the refill conduit could be connected to the storage tank 345, so that refill fluids combine with recycled fluids in the storage tank 345. The lower ends of the cistern supply conduits 350A, 350B could be provided with respective float valve mechanisms, e.g. similar to the float valve mechanism 24. Thus, valves in the ends of the cistern supply conduits 350A, 3508 would be open to allow refilling whenever the fluid level in the cisterns 314A, 314B is below a certain level, e.g. 6 litres.

In such embodiments, the flush valves of the cisterns 314A, 314B do not necessarily need to be able to control the amount of water flushed, because the recycled fluids automatically eater the cistern with the refill fluids, thereby reducing the amount of water needed from the refill source.

The lavatories 31 OA, 31 OB save water in the same way as explained with respect to Figs I and 2, due to the fact that the waste water from the wash basins 31 6A, 31GB is not simply drained away, but is recycled back to the cisterns 314A, 314B. Hence, a lesser quantity of refill fluid from another source is needed.

The Fig 5 embodiment demonstrates that waste fluids from one or more wash basins can be recycled into the cistern(s) of one or more lavatories, without the wash basins necessarily being mounted on the lavatories.

Modifications and improvements can be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in a modification of the embodiment shown in Figs I and 2, the waste outlet conduit 20 could be connected to the refill conduit 22 downstream of the float valve mechanism 24. In such an embodiment, the flush valve 26 does not necessarily need to be able to control of the amount of water flushed, S..

** because the recycled fluids enter the cistern with the refill fluids, thereby S..

automatically saving water. *5*

* In the Fig I embodiment, the base of the wash basin 16 could comprise the cistern lid. Alternatively, the base of the wash basin 16 could be located on a separate cistern lid. Optionally, a storage tank and/or a pump could be located between the wash basin 16 and the cistern 14, i.e. the wash basin 16 may be indirectly mounted on the cistern 14. Such a storage tank could function similarly to the storage tank 345 of the Fig 5 embodiment.

Optionally, the base of the wash basin 16 need not be solid but could instead comprise a series of bars.

In the Fig 5 embodiment, the storage tank 345 could be omitted, with waste fluids being pumped directly from the wash basins 31 6A, 31 6B to the cisterns 314A, 314B.

In the Fig 5 embodiment, respective valve systems could be located at any point along the cistern supply conduits 350A, 350B to control entry of fluids into the cisterns 31 4A, 31 4B from the tank 345. However, such valve systems are not necessary, as any excess fluids that enter the cisterns 314A, 314B will be drained away by the cistern overflow (which may be incorporated in the flush valve 26).

In the Fig 5 embodiment, different numbers of lavatories and wash basins could be be used. For example, one wash basin and three lavatories, two wash basins and six lavatories, etc. All possible modifications to the embodiment of Figs I and 2 also apply to S..

* the embodiments of Figs 3 and 4. *1S

All references to "water" include references to any suitable fluid. S.

S

S * . * . I..

S I..

Claims

CLAIMS
2.

1 According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a water recycling system comprising a lavatory having a flush cistern, a wash basin, a refill flowpath to refill the cistern after flushing and a recycling flowpath connecting a waste outlet of the wash basin to an inlet of the flush cistern